CHUCK DUNLAP: We're ready to go with Dan Jackson. Questions for Dan.
Q. You had a little decision to make before you decided to come back to Georgia. If you had not come back, what would you be doing right now?
DAN JACKSON: If I didn't come back to UGA, I'm not sure. At first it was a conversation that we had last winter. In my mind I kind of knew that I definitely wanted to come back. Definitely felt like I had some unfinished business.
For me, I had another shot to win an SEC Championship and a national championship. I couldn't let that pass up.
Q. How satisfying has it been for you so far?
DAN JACKSON: I mean, it's been some of the best years in my life here. It's been a grind. It definitely hasn't been an easy route. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Most thankful for just the relationships I made with these guys, everything we've been through.
Q. Could you speak to your recollections of that first meeting. Do you like the idea of playing a team twice in this situation?
DAN JACKSON: I'm sorry, can you repeat the beginning?
Q. Just recollections of y'all's first meeting playing there in Austin and building that big lead.
DAN JACKSON: Yeah, I mean, it was a great atmosphere. Great SEC matchup. It's another reason that you come to the University of Georgia, so you can play in matchups like that.
They're a great football team. I expect the same thing. I know we're going to have a great game plan. The coaches are going to give us a great game plan. Expect the same results.
Q. Do you like the idea of playing them twice and the idea of getting them closer to home? How sweet is that for y'all?
DAN JACKSON: It's nice. We thankfully had the opportunity to have a number of games in the stadium since I've been a part of this team. Really just focused on the fact that it's another chance to win an SEC Championship.
Texas has a great football team. Just more focused on the fact that we get another chance to win a championship.
Q. You like playing them twice?
DAN JACKSON: I think it's going to be a challenge, but we're definitely up for it. I just can't wait till Saturday.
Q. You have been one of the teams that have been able to pick yourselves up off the ground after losses. How much does being able to gut through those types of things help you now playing potentially two different championships?
DAN JACKSON: Yep, you know, one of the biggest things we preach is 60 minutes or however long it takes. We saw that last week. It was a lot longer than 60 minutes.
It just shows you the kind of team that we have. A think a lot of that has to do with the way we practice, the way we compete every day with each other. Also leading up to the season, the way we got after it in the weight room. Just overall connection that we have on this team.
Q. Your journey to where you are now for a lot of kids that aren't on everybody's All-American list coming out of high school, how much pride do you take in that? What is the message in today's world of college football?
DAN JACKSON: I mean, I take a lot of pride in that. It's been my life for the last six years. I'm very proud of every opportunity I've had. I've also had a lot of help along the way. I've thankfully had great coaches here at Georgia, great teammates that have helped me to get better. Just going against great competition every day.
To the younger dude, just always count on yourself is what I'd tell them. Just keep your faith first if you're a religious person like I am, just don't give up.
Q. You've been at UGA for a while. Your journey is a similar one to Stetson. How much motivation did you take from Stetson to where he got to on the team and you following behind?
DAN JACKSON: I mean, coming in, I just definitely looked up to Stetson. It's like you said, a similar journey. He always I felt like was working in the right direction with whatever he did. Just doing the duty that lies nearest. Whatever we needed him to do at that time, he was going to do it.
I just like to learn from great examples like that. I just gives me a lot of encouragement, so...
Q. Kirby said you came to Georgia without them even recruiting you. What did that look like? Did you tell someone on the staff you wanted to play there...
DAN JACKSON: Yep, I thankfully got in touch with Coach Warren at the time. He was the DB's coach. He said they watched my film. I basically told them, expressed how much I wanted to play here. From there, it was basically that we have a spot for you at camp, we'd love to have you be a part of the team.
Definitely the walk-on spot is what it was. I was just excited for the opportunity 'cause I've always wanted to come here.
Q. Are you going to be pursuing the NFL after the season?
DAN JACKSON: Yes, sir, yep. That was the goal. That was one of the goals I had for myself. Obviously right now just focused on this game and finishing out and trying to win another national championship. But that's the goal, yep.
Q. Do you feel like y'all have to prepare for two quarterbacks when you face these guys? What is the difference between the two?
DAN JACKSON: Yeah, I think first and foremost, they come from a great program. They're both really smart guys. Nobody's the exact same. We're definitely going to be watching a lot of film this week, like we have in the past. We're just going to be ready for both of them.
They're both great athletes, yeah.
Q. Do you feel like you have to prepare for the run a little bit more with Arch Manning?
DAN JACKSON: I mean, right now, based off of what we've seen, you could say that. Both of them, like I said, are great athletes. We'll be ready for both of them.
CHUCK DUNLAP: Thank you very much.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports